Reward offered in mutilation of pelican

LOS ANGELES -- A bird rescue organization says a pelican found with its pouch slashed will undergo surgery in Southern California.

The International Bird Rescue said Monday that authorities have offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who mutilated the California brown pelican.

The wounded bird was found April 16 near Bayshore Park in Long Beach.

Jay Holcomb, director of the San Pedro-based organization, says it appears a knife or similar sharp instrument was used to cut the bird. Holcomb says the bird appeared thin, so it probably hadn't eaten in a couple weeks. Pelicans scoop fish up with their pouches.

The surgery to stitch the pouch back together will probably take place in the next several days, after the pelican is deemed strong enough.